Pd nanoparticles on functionalized carbon nanotubes for enhanced formic acid hydrogen production under ambient conditions

Abstract

Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are acidified and M (M = B or N) doped to support Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) for upgrading to Pd/MCNT catalysts used in H2 production from formic acid (FA). The characterization analysis demonstrates the support composition affects the electronic properties and size of PdNPs, thus impacting the performance of Pd/MCNTs. Among the assessed materials, Pd/BCNTs exhibit the largest specific surface area (128.1273 m2g−1) and smallest PdNPs particle size (6.28 nm). These properties result in significant improvements in FA conversion (41.67 %), and turnover frequency value (3451 h−1) compared to conventional Pd/CNTs (17.36 % and 564 h−1, respectively). The study evaluates the service life and repeatability of Pd/BCNTs and analyzes the catalyst mechanism. This study filled the vacancy of acidification-modified and doped CNTs in Pd regulation, enhanced Pd's catalytic performance, and further supported FA as an H2 storage material.